National Museums Liverpool Blog - Tuesday, May 29, 2012

© FreeImages.co.uk

Like many of you I am pleased that the people of Liverpool in the recent Mayoral elections gave a clear message to those of the far-right persuasion that their brand of politics was not wanted. Less than 2% of the 100,000 plus people who went to the polling stations voted for such candidates.

Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty of work to do at many levels, to counter the rise of extreme nationalistic and far-right ideologies across Europe. Their vague and utopian ideas of national identity, including Britishness (which rarely includes BME individuals whether or not they were born in Britain...like me) has no factual basis.

Various extreme right-wing nationalists often converge in times of economic instability – looking for a scapegoat for the various ills of society. The following definition by a US think tank succinctly sums up one such ideology, fascism, and that it "parasitizes other ideologies, juggles many internal tensions and contradictions, and produces chameleon-like adaptations based on the specific historic symbols, icons, slogans, traditions, myths, and heroes of the society it wishes to mobilize".  

I refuse to be part of that society, I hope you do too.

On a more positive note, yesterday I attended ‘the French Atlantic: A Tricoloured Ocean' workshop at the International Slavery Museum – organised by the Centre for the Study of International Slavery (CSIS) and the School of Histories, Languages, and Cultures (HLC) at the University of Liverpool.

The rationale of this inter-institutional project is to develop greater recognition of Liverpool’s post-Slavery trading past. Whilst it is well known that Liverpool was considered the capital of the transatlantic slave trade, it remains lesser known that the first ships for South Asian Indenture embarked from its ports.

Professor Bill Marshall, University of London, gave an interesting paper on ‘Atlantic Crossings to Quebec’ which discussed amongst other things the link between the Newfoundland fishing industry and the transatlantic slave trade. Dr Andy Stafford, University of Leeds, gave a fascinating paper titled: ‘Motley Crew' a Hidden History of the French Revolutionary Atlantic? The Reception in France of Marcus Rediker and Peter Linebaugh's 'The Many-Headed Hydra'.

The final paper was by workshop organiser Devi Hardeen which developed two concepts: ‘The Brown Atlantic’, which addresses the transcolonial dimensions of Indenture; and ‘Triple Consciousness’, which explores contemporary legacies of ‘identity’. Several other Atlantic studies were also discussed such as Paul Gilroy’s notion of the Black Atlantic, as well as “Green” (Irish) and “Red” (Communist) Atlantic studies. What I refer to as Rainbow Atlantic studies.

Bye for now

Here's a blog by Sarah Hardy who is helping out at the Lady Lever Art gallery as part of her Art History masters degree. 

Sarah will be giving a talk about Zoffany’s portrait of Robert Badeley at 1pm on Wednesday 23 May 2012.

Robert Baddeley as Moses in Sheridan's 'The School for Scandal' c1781, by Johann Zoffany (1734/5 – 1810).

I am thoroughly enjoying this experience and look forward to my Wednesday visits, when I am let loose on the archives to uncover the history of some incredibly rare and valuable art works. Using this information to tell you the story of our art has been incredibly rewarding.

Sometimes however, this is not such an easy task. The painting Mrs Wells, Wife of Doctor Wells (c.1789) now accredited to John Hamilton Mortimer, is a particular example of why. Whilst Lever bought this painting as a portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds, its authorship was doubted after the purchase. It was originally accredited to Francis Coates as he had painted a portrait of the same name, which was sold to James Orrock who also purchased the above painting for Lever. 

Recent research showed that Coates would have in fact died by the time it was in fashion for ladies to wear their hair in the style shown in this portrait. The original Christie’s catalogue lead to a paper trail, which revealed that this painting is actually by John Hamilton Mortimer. It is similar to the description of one of the paintings in his 1777 Society of Artists Exhibition. Even with this issue resolved, the identity of Mrs Wells remains a mystery, with no conclusive evidence yet available to show who she is.

Another incredibly exciting project I am working on is researching a portrait of Robert Baddeley in 'The School for Scandal', by Johan Zoffany.  

Zoffany is currently the focus of a Royal Academy exhibition, Johan Zoffany RA: Society Observed , themes from which are also covered in my talk. 

It would be lovely to see you at my gallery talk - details are on the website here.

Copyright Lee Karen Stow

42 has also served as an inspiring tribute to the members of our grassroots Women with Cameras project in Sierra Leone. Slowly, and with many barriers to overcome, the women are using photography to earn incomes, advocate for change on issues which affect them, and explore creative expression. Photography is having a significant impact on their lives, and their growing and fascinating catalogue of images show what life is really like, on the ground, in this West African country.

Since Rebecca Kamara from Freetown, Sierra Leone, officially opened the exhibition on International Women’s Day 2011, much has happened. Rebecca returned to her rural village to grow her photography business, armed with a donated generator, finally to have electricity. Francess Ngaboh-Smart visited the UK to deliver slideshow talks, workshops in schools, and then to accept a scholarship to study at the Pacific NorthWest Art School in the US with National Geographic photographer Sam Abell. I returned to Sierra Leone for a sixth visit to continue 42 and Women with Cameras, and also the Fighting for Gold photo essay, which I hoped might help the women’s boxing team, desperate for support, realise their dreams of taking part in the Olympic Games at London 2012.

So many highs, but too many lows. Francess was robbed at gunpoint in her own home and had her precious laptop stolen. Gladys - in fact, many women - were struck by malaria. Rebecca, on her way to have wedding photos printed for a client, was hit by a taxi (I spoke to her by Skype and her foot is still swollen, she has pains in her head and her eyeball hurts so much she’s keeping her eye closed for comfort). Grace Brown, head of the women’s boxing team died, during this Olympic year, from breast cancer at the age of 43. She had also suffered a stroke.

Sometimes I feel helpless, hopeless and inadequate, but more often than not I feel immensely proud to know such spirited women who seem to pick themselves up at lightning speed, and carry on, because they have to. No other option. And they still have hope. It’s vital to follow their example, to keep going and keep hoping.

On behalf of 42 and Women with Cameras, I want to thank everyone who came to see our exhibition, and hear these ladies speak. Support, interest and encouragement from the public has been tremendous and we promise to tell you, and show you, more. Thank you!"

The Education team at the Walker Art Gallery are pleased to announce that their nomination for the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards has been shortlisted – none other than Sylvia Jones! 

Celebrating her 80th birthday this year, Sylvia continues to be an inspiration for all women who work alongside her. Sylvia is an important figure in Liverpool’s art and culture scene and has been a committed volunteer at National Museums Liverpool for the past 25 years. We were inspired to nominate Sylvia for her enthusiasm, dedication and outstanding contribution to the Walker Art Gallery Education team, inspiring all those she comes in contact with. 

Sylvia volunteers at the Walker Art Gallery two days a week, leading adult tours and supporting Big Art for Little Artists, our dedicated children’s gallery. During her days in Big Art for Little Artists she works alongside school groups, nurseries and families. She guarantees that visitors receive a warm welcome, families have an enjoyable visit, helps prepare material for workshops and mends costumes (which she often takes home if she is unable to do this with our limited sewing kit). Sylvia ensures provision for our youngest visitors is always to the highest standard. As a retired primary school teaching her experience is an invaluable resource as she is able to adapt her classroom experiences to the gallery setting. 

Sylvia is a true ambassador for the city and for culture. She is an incredible inspiration to all who meet her, especially to her colleagues at the Walker who are fortunate enough to work alongside her. Sylvia’s contribution was recognised at the 2011 Marsh Awards for Excellence in Gallery Education and it would be wonderful to see Sylvia’s dedication and knowledge celebrated here in Merseyside as well. 

We would be delighted if you would help support Sylvia’s nomination by casting your vote on the Daily Post website. 

Vote for Sylvia Jones at: http://bit.ly/JSkhQf 

Thank you!

We're all very excited about the forthcoming visit by Her Majesty the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh to the Merseyside Maritime Museum. To mark this momentous occasion, one of the museum’s fantastic paintings will be displayed as a centrepiece for the visit, alongside some objects from the Ismay silver collection which is currently on display in the Titanic and Liverpool exhibition.

‘Campania at the Spithead Review, 1897’ by Parker Greenwood depicts one of the greatest naval occasions, ‘The Review of the Fleet’ for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee on 26 May 1897. Famous merchant vessels attended and accommodated guests celebrating this exciting occasion.

Campania was the most impressive of the Cunard fleet at the time and was ordered in 1891 along with sister ship Lucania as a response to the competition in the ever competitive transatlantic service business. The artist has painted Campania in the centre foreground, flying a blue ensign flag which indicates the Captain and crew are members of the Royal Naval Reserve.

When looking close up at the painting it is clear to see it’s a celebratory occasion and the artist has captured this perfectly. Patriotic blue, white and red bunting flies happily in the breeze, Union Jack flags adorn the other vessels in the background. The event is well attended with crowds of people cheering and you can almost hear the clinking of glasses. As Curator of Maritime Collections (ship models and paintings) I shouldn’t really admit to favourite objects but this painting is especially enjoyable.

Liverpool has an impressive maritime painting history which is represented in the museum’s collection, more of which can be viewed in the Art and Sea gallery.

Marketing Officer Andrew Winder has news of how National Museums Liverpool will be one of 50 organisations marking the city’s International Day Against Homophobia on 17 May:

Many of the organisations involved will fly equality flags, host planters containing pansies created by artist Paul Harfleet and programme events.

At National Museums Liverpool, we plan to mark it with a special tour of Hello Sailor! at Merseyside Maritime Museum. The exhibition uncovers gay life at sea, particularly pre-decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. For many gay people, cruise ships and the merchant navy provided refuge that could not be found on land. A date for the tour of Hello Sailor has yet to be confirmed.

National Museums Liverpool is proud to support Homotopia’s IDAHO 50 initiative and is committed to ensuring that there is lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender visibility in our collections, exhibitions and events.

Currently, at the Museum of Liverpool in the People’s Republic gallery, we display the equality flag flown over Liverpool Town Hall for the International Day Against Homophobia in 2009. Our Maritime Library contains the Sailing Proud archive of oral histories of gay seafarers. Some of Liverpool’s gay landmarks feature as part of the online interactive Mapping Memory pages with accompanying videos and photographs."

Many flowers were left at the Lusitania's propeller at the service to mark the 97th anniversary of the sinking

On Bank Holiday Monday, Merseyside Maritime Museum held its annual commemoration for the sinking of Cunard liner 'RMS Lusitania'. Ellie Moffat, Curator of Maritime Collections, explains why this is an important event for the museum:

'Lusitania' had strong ties to Liverpool. She was registered in Liverpool, her home port, and was owned by Cunard, still based in the city at that time. The ship, referred to affectionately as “Lusie” by local people, was a familiar sight at the landing stage. In 1907 she sailed from Liverpool on her maiden voyage, bound for New York. Over 200,000 people came down to the Mersey to watch her depart. For the next eight years she provided a regular service across the Atlantic, breaking speed records along the way.

The sinking caused outrage and led to rioting in Liverpool and Birkenhead, and other cities across the world. It struck a tragic blow to the dockland communities in north Liverpool, where most of “Lusie’s” crew lived. 404 crewmen perished.

One of the most iconic objects in our collection is the port side four-bladed propeller that was salvaged from the wreck of RMS Lusitania by Oceaneering International Services Ltd, later acquired by the museum. It was one of four that drove Lusitania across the Atlantic. When she was launched in 1906, she was originally fitted with three-bladed propellers, but they were replaced with the four-bladed propellers in 1909 to improve her speed.

Each year on the anniversary, we hold an annual commemoration to remember those men, women and children who lost their lives. It was particularly poignant this year as were we are able to hold the commemoration around the propeller for the first time in several years.

During the event Ian Murphy, Deputy Director of Merseyside Maritime museum, gave an introduction. David Roberts, maritime historian and author, then gave a historical overview of “Lusie”. A short religious service was led by Father John Williams and a minute’s silence was held. To mark the end of the commemoration Ian Murphy laid a wreath at the base of the propeller on behalf of the museum. Many people attending also left flowers.

With the centenary only three years away, curatorial staff at Merseyside Maritime Museum are carrying out new research in to the 'Lusitania' and her connections to Merseyside. As part of this work, we would be very pleased to hear from local people with family connections to the famous ship and would encourage anyone to email us at:

lusitania@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Find out more about 'RMS Lusitania' in our gallery Titanic, Lusitania and the Forgotten Empress."

From 'The Pickwick Papers' to 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' which is your favourite Charles Dickens story? Ciarán and Holly, Management students from LIPA, have devised a day of performance and interactions that bring some of the wonderful Dickens stories to life.

Here they tell us more:

Excitement is mounting as we put the final pieces in place for our event based on Dickens' world at Sudley House.

On Sunday 13th May from 11am until 4pm, characters from Dickens’ classics will roam the house with the accompaniment of live music and interactive activities for all to enjoy.

'I stole her heart away and put ice in its place' Miss Havisham, 'Great Expectations'

This dramatised event will showcase some of the most infamous characters from Dickens’ novels. Keep an eye out for:

• Ebenezer Scrooge from 'A Christmas Carol'
• The Artful Dodger & Nancy from 'Oliver Twist'
• Miss Havisham from 'Great Expectations'.

You can look forward to meeting Ebenezer Scrooge behind his desk within the study and if the sun is shining, Nancy may appear in the rose garden at the front of the house – we will stop there however before we give too much away!

At LIPA we are fortunate enough to have plenty of creative students studying the dramatic craft and are therefore always willing to perform and explore characters. A number of our Community Drama students will be playing some of the most well known roles within Charles Dickens’ repertoire. We look forward to seeing you there; feel free to question the actors about their lives, costume and language.

One of the most unique things about Sudley House is its wonderful grounds and the garden, which visitors can really make the most of now that the weather is improving! Here is Visitor Host Simon Breedon to tell us more...

Visitor Host Simon Breedon admiring Sudley's pond.

In fact most of the trees in the grounds are slowly putting out leaves, giving the whole estate a beautiful 'countryside' feel. There are two magnificent and mighty Tulip trees which are well worth heading over to see, especially in a couple of months when the lovely little tulip-like flowers are in full bloom.

Spring is a great time for children to visit Sudley House. They can keep an eye on the progress of the tadpoles in the pond and watch them as they slowly evolve into frogs. The courtyard area is also a good place to watch the amazing variety of birds, ranging from Long-Tailed Tits to Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers. If you’re very lucky you may even spot a Sparrowhawk or Kestrel.

If it's a fine day visitors can just go into the courtyard - if the weather is bad, then ask a member of staff for assistance.